[dokeeffe]

As all of us who have officiated for more than a few years know that accepted mechanics change from time to time. Everything from plate umpire positioning behind the dish to responsibilities on the bases has seen modification.

The editor of this site has maintained (I believe) that there is no good reason to "explain" a pitch. You know, like "Ball - outside!" I've noticed over the past few years that there are D1 and Pro Umpires that are doing just that, especially on a close pitch. I've changed after a zillion years on a baseball field and feel it has helped keep some coaches in check. I don't get the "where was that pitch?" comment anymore.

Carl has argued that you don't expalin a strike so why a ball? The simple answer is that explaining a strike is not a preventive device. You saw a strike - no one cares where. On the other hand if you saw a close pitch that was down, the pitcher, his catcher and his coach care, and in fact so does the batter. "Explaining" that pitch just might keep a coach, pitcher or catcher in the game. From my experience it certainly helps limit the barking from the dugoutand frankly it's that's number one on my list for the mechanic.

What say you?